Category Archives: FAQ WOMEN AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH

Alcohol is very harmful for women specially in pregnancy and lactation as it will affect the baby. Women are never advised to drink alcohol regularly because their bodies don’t process alcohol as efficiently as it should and this effects their body at a higher rate than men’s.

Approximately 90% of cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke. In women tobacco is very harmful during pregnancy and lactation as the same will affect the baby. Otherwise, tobacco is as harmful in women as well as for men.

Adolescents are at more risk of STI/HIV, because they are not aware of these infections and hence do not take precaution. Good sex education in school is required to make them aware of these diseases and also explain to them precautionary measures will help decrease this incidence.

Yes long term use of oral contraceptives pills affects future fertility. If you are planning for a baby, then it should be stopped at least three month before. If you are not planning a baby, it can be taken as long as you want contraception.

Yes a women hygiene wash is very useful once or twice a week or even daily if it suits . it cleans the vaginal discharge stuck to outer perineum and also give good odour. It helps maintain the PH level of the area. During the menstrual cycle, a women feels uncomfortable with hygiene and these washes help give her the confidence she deserves.

Yes it is safe to use cotton rolls as pads but it is preferred that it should be a sterile cotton roll and sterile gauze should be wrapped around cotton. Readymade sanitary pads are best but occasionally some people are allergic to them. It is advised that you change your pad/cotton roll after every 4 hours. Do not reuse them again.

Cervical cancer vaccine is recommended to women before they start their sexual activity. Women can opt for the vaccination before their marriage. Infact, as per the guidelines you can vaccinate your daughter when she is 12 years old. There are a number of vaccines available in the market – Broad/Narrow spectrum that covers a no of HPV strains. There are few that cover men for genital warts too. Consult your gynecologist for more details.

Yes it is very safe to have meftal spas twice or thrice a day every month depending on the pain and discomfort during that period. However, it is advised that you should consult a Gynecologist if the pain persists for long, post cycles or is unbearable. Do not self medicate and to avoid any complication, it is best that you refer a specialist.

Menstrual cramps, pain and discomfort are normal for all girls just before periods which gradually subside when good flow starts. She can take a warm bath, do regular physical exercise, regular yoga and take vitamin tablets. Eating light and nutritious meals will be helpful. For anti spasmodic tabs, it is advised that you consult to a gynecologist first.

Puberty in female child is with onset of menstrual cycle. All girls after the age of 10 should be aware of this change in their body and they should be mentally prepared every month to handle the issues associated with menstrual cycle. Every girl should be counseled on the cycle of womanhood and how menstruation is an integral part of the same. They should be made confident of the fact that this is a natural process and not a disease. Every child should be explained the hygiene aspects associated. Emphasis should be laid on the changing body shape, voice and other secondary features. Make your daughter feel confident and let her welcome womanhood.

As a parent, there’s lot you can do to help your child reach a healthier weight. One of the most powerful ways to encourage your child is to be active and eat well. All children need about 60 minutes of physical activity a day for good health, but it doesn’t need to be all at once. Split them into several short 10-minute or even five-minute bursts of activity throughout the day. Ban “sweetened” drinks from the home – persuade your children to drink water instead. Make sure the whole family eats breakfast every day. Drag the kids away from the TV, computer and games console, and instead get active as a family by walking, cycling, going to the park, playground or swimming together. Prepare more meals at home. Avoid over-sized portions. Start meals with small servings and let your child ask for more if they’re still hungry. Avoid giving adult-sized plates to younger children – it can encourage them to eat too much.

If your child is underweight, it’s important that your child gains weight in a healthy way, and this means eating a balanced diet which is three meals a day and healthy snacks. To help your child gain weight, increase their portion sizes at mealtimes, especially for starchy foods such as bread, rice, pasta and potatoes. If your child isn’t consuming enough calories, you can boost their daily intake by providing healthier snacks, such as dried fruits, small sandwiches with cheese or eggs, bananas, etc. Even if your child is underweight, it’s still important that they’re physically active. Physical activity helps them develop strong, healthy bones and muscles. Keep regular records of your child’s height and weight. Once your child has reached a healthy weight, their diet may need adjusting so that they don’t become overweight.